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May 23, 2014

Updated: On May 23, 2014, two-year-old Edwin Vargas was forcibly taken from his mother after being placed into her vehicle. This abduction generated an AMBER alert and put into motion enormous resources to ensure Edwin’s safety. The search for Edwin has been non-stop.

With the assistance of the United States Marshals Task Force, Councilman Jose Huizar’s Office and tireless investigative efforts by LAPD Hollenbeck Area detectives, Edwin was located last night, August 21, 2014, and is in the protective custody of the Department of Children Services. The suspect, Abraham Vargas was arrested and is currently being held on a one million dollar warrant in the State of Texas.

June 11, 2014 UPDATE

On Friday June 6, 2014, LAPD Hollenbeck detectives received a tip that suspect Abraham Vargas was seen near 4th Avenue and Soto Street in Los Angeles around 3:45 p.m. He was riding a black “BMX style” bicycle and his head is now shaved. He also has facial hair in the form of a “goatee”. Suspect Vargas is still at large. Any information, please contact LAPD Hollenbeck detectives.

Biological Father Wanted for Child Abduction

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 2-year-old Edwin Vargas, taken by his biological father.

On Friday March 23, 2014, around 6:30 a.m., Hollenbeck patrol officers responded to a radio call of a “Possible Kidnapping” at the 1000 block of Lorena Street.

When the officers arrived they were met by the mother of the child who told them that her ex-boyfriend, suspect Abraham Vargas had taken their child and vehicle.

The mother and child were by her vehicle when the suspect approached, pushed the mother away from the vehicle, took the keys and drove off with the child inside. The mother advised that she has full custody of the child as well as a restraining order against the suspect. Based on past comments by the suspect, it is believed he will be heading towards the Mexican border.

Edwin Vargas is described as a 2-year-old male Hispanic with brown hair and brown eyes. He stands 2 feet tall and was last seen wearing a red sweater and blue sweat pants.

The suspect is described as a 26-year-old male Hispanic, standing 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 180 pounds. The vehicle is an orange 2004 Nissan Quest, license plate 7CIN189 with traffic collision damage on the drivers’ side from the center to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has tinted windows.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Hollenbeck detectives at (323) 342-8900. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Last night, Denise Torres was located and in good condition. She has been reunited with her family.

Los Angeles: The family of Denise Torres and the Los Angeles Police Department Newton Division are asking for the public’s help to locate Torres.

On May 21, 2014, around 9:45 p.m., Torres left her residence in the 200 block of 29th Street, in the City of Los Angeles. She was last seen in her bedroom. Torres suffers from a medical condition and is in need of medication.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Denis Torres, please contact Newton Division Juvenile Detectives at (323) 846-6576. During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

On Friday, May 16, 2014, Chief of Police Charlie Beck addressed the newest members of the LAPD family. The 29 graduating officers have completed 920 hours of training over the course of 24 weeks. This is the last graduation ceremony held at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park due to the planned two year renovation.

“33,210 officers have graduated from this field. You have joined a long and distinguished legacy,” said Chief Beck. “Thank you for entrusting your loved ones to us, your new family,” said Chief Beck to the attending family members, speaking about the physical and mental transformation they have seen of their loved ones as they went through the academy training. Chief Beck told the graduates what he demands from each one of them. “You must always remember that at the core of what you do, doing things the right way is more important than getting the right results.”

May 22, 2014

May 21, 2014

Sheriff John Scott presided over the 45th Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, to commemorate the lives of those peace officers who died in the line of duty while serving the residents of Los Angeles County. Attending the memorial ceremony were numerous federal, state, and local dignitaries, in addition to family members, friends, and co-workers of the fallen officers.

Held in the Memorial Park at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center in Whittier, the ceremony included musical performances by members of law enforcement and the release of white doves on behalf of the fallen officers.

Regrettably, the names of the following officers were added to the Memorial Wall:

Sergeant Leonard R. Luna, Jr., Hawthorne Police Department, who died on July 8, 2013, as a result of injuries he sustained when another vehicle struck his motorcycle while traveling on the I-105 Freeway.

Officer Nicholas C. Lee, Los Angeles Police Department, who died on March 7, 2014, when he was involved in a traffic collision with a commercial vehicle while responding to call.

Officer Christopher Cortijo, Los Angeles Police Department, who died on April 9, 2014, after suffering complications from injuries he sustained when a vehicle failed to stop for a red light, crushing him and his motorcycle between two vehicles.

In addition, historical research determined that the following peace officers, previously killed in the line of duty, are deserving of their place on the Memorial Wall:

Deputy Adolfo Celis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on April 18, 1883, from a gunshot wound to his chest, when his rifle dislodged, fell out of the buckboard, striking a wagon wheel and discharged.

Constable Anton Harnischfeger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, on March 20, 1889, after suffering complications from a gunshot wound to his face, when he was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect who had assaulted a 15 year old victim earlier in the day.

Deputy Constable Anthony B. Couts, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on October 25, 1914, as a result from injuries he sustained from gunshot wounds, while responding to a dispute between two property owners.

Constable John S. (Jack) Pilcher, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, died tragically on June 4, 1925, when his partner’s gun fell out of his shoulder holster, striking the ground and discharging, shooting Constable Pilcher between the eyes.

Deputy James L. McDermott, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died on August 26, 1931, when he was impaled on a hook used to suspend a water hose, injuries he sustained while trying to stop his runaway county vehicle and prevent it from reentering traffic or severely damaging the station. The sharp point pierced his chest just below his heart.

Sergeant Raymond C. Willis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who died tragically on April 15, 1957, while responding to a search for a downed plane near Malibu, the small airplane he and his partner were flying in experienced engine trouble, and burst into flames.

Bronze plaques with the names of the nine officers now join the other 485 law enforcement officers whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall to honor their dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

As part of the ceremony, Sheriff Scott accepted a torch delivered by members of various law enforcement agencies following a three-day Memorial Torch Relay Run totaling 339 miles. The relay run commenced at the Sherman Block Sheriff’s Headquarters Building and traveled to each mainland Sheriff’s station. The Memorial Flame at the Los Angeles County Peace Officers’ Memorial Wall was ignited in tribute to the fallen officers.

LAPD’s Northeast Community Police Station has put together a professionally produced video to increase awareness of the Department’s “Lock It, Hide It, Keep It” campaign, which aims to prevent vehicle-related thefts.

Now playing on your local computer at YouTube is “2.4,” an action-packed video that acts as a public service announcement about reminding everyone to always lock their vehicles when unattended, and keep valuables of any kind hidden and out of sight from prospective thieves. The video, which features a cast of entirely LAPD personnel and has a runtime of just over five minutes, was produced with the generous assistance of 20th Century Fox and features familiar locations in LAPD’s Northeast Area.

When a man’s IPad is stolen from his car, he is desperate to get it back. Fortunately, local police officers were able to apprehend the thief, but they remind him that the crime probably wouldn’t have happened in the first place, if the victim’s IPad hadn’t been visible.

May 20, 2014

Police Commission President Steve Soboroff began the meeting by confirming that Chief Charlie Beck had officially submitted a letter confirming his interest in bidding for a second term as chief of police. He pointed out that the last day for a commission vote on this matter would be August 19, 2014. Regarding public hearings/meetings on Chief Beck’s reappointment, President Soboroff said there would be two opportunities for such events. The first would be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 11, 2014, at the Westchester Recreation Center. The second would be at a time and location to be determined later. He also reminded everyone that there would be a regular Police Commission meeting in the evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 12, 2014, at the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, 6844 Oakdale Ave. in Canoga Park.

Sitting in for Chief Beck, Chief Earl Paysinger delivered the Report of the Chief of Police. He called for everyone to remember Detective Ernie Allen, who was killed in a traffic accident while off duty on May 9, 2014, in Beverly Hills. Chief Paysinger reminded all that Detective Allen is survived by his fiancée, two adult children and his 95-year-old mother. Chief Paysinger noted that last Saturday (May 17) over 300 adults graduated from the Cadet Program and about 650 cadet students will graduate next month, which will be the largest cadet graduating class in the program’s history. Regarding departmental staffing numbers, Chief Paysinger stated there were 9,891 sworn and slightly more than 2,700 civilian employees, with civilian vacancies totaling 573.

A verbal presentation launched the regular agenda items of the meeting. It concerned community-initiated problem solving, crime strategies and other programs and goals within the 77th Street Area. Commanding Officer Robert Arcos and Patrol Commanding Officer Lillian Carranza were present and introduced CPAB Co-chair Gwen Wood, who gave a rundown of all the 77th Area community programs that are helpful to the community, including the Little Free Library and special assistance she received from Commander Arcos for a problem her granddaughter’s husband was having. There was also a brief video presentation about the many community services and assistance available through the 77th Community Police Station.

The Department’s Report, dated May 9, 2014, relative to the Categorical Use of Force Investigations Audit, as set forth, was approved.

The Department’s Report, dated May 16, 2014, relative to the Supply Procurement and Disbursement Audit, as set forth, was approved.

The Department’s Report, dated May 16, 2014, relative to the funding for the 2014/15 Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act Program, as set forth, was approved.

The Department’s Report, dated May 9, 2014, relative to the destruction of obsolete duplicate records for Southeast Area, as set forth, was approved.

Sylmar: The Los Angeles Police Department Mission Division is asking for the public’s help in locating Ellen Weston.

On May 19, around 5:30 p.m., Mrs. Weston left the assisted living home where she resides located in the 14000 block of Hubbard Street, in the City of Sylmar. She was last seen in her room at dinner time when she was given her food and medications. Mrs. Weston requires ongoing medical treatment and her condition can be life threatening.

Ellen Weston is described as a 63-year-old female White with grey hair, blue eyes, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs around 150 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black beanie, orange turtleneck sweater and blue jeans.

If you have seen, or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ellen Weston, please contact Mission Division Detectives at (818) 838-9820. During non- business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Los Angeles: Chief Charlie Beck submitted his application for a second term to the Board of Police Commissioners on Thursday, May 15, 2014. The last day the Commission can vote affirmatively or negatively on the application is August 19, 2014.

The Commission will be holding two single purpose community meetings to receive public input on the Chief’s application for a second term. The first meeting will be held on June 11, 2014, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Westchester Recreation Center, 7000 West Manchester Avenue, Westchester. The second meeting will take place on July 8, 2014, time and location to be announced.

Public input may also be given at all Police Commission meetings during the Public Comment portion of the meeting (Tuesdays, 9:30 am, 100 West 1st Street, Los Angeles), as well as at the previously scheduled Police Commission Community Meeting with Special Guest Council Member Bob Blumenfield, on June 12, 2014, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. That meeting will be held at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School, 6844 Oakdale Avenue, Canoga Park.

Members of the community may also provide input by emailing comments to reappointment@lapd.lacity.org (all lower case).

Young Douglas was located in the Oceanside area and is reported to be in good condition.

Los Angeles: The family of Young Douglas and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, request the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Douglas, a reported missing person.

Douglas was last heard from by his family on May 9, 2014 , at approximately 11:00 P.M. Douglas was last seen on May 12, 2014, in Santa Ana, asking for directions to the train station, and may have headed to San Diego. Mr. Douglas has not been heard from since.

Douglas is a University of California at Berkeley student at home for the summer break. He has not returned home and his family is concerned that he has not been in contact with them.

Douglas is described as a 20-year-old, African-American male, with black hair and brown eyes, 5’10” and weighing approximately 147 pounds. He was last seen on foot and does not have a vehicle. Douglas was wearing a dark colored outfit and black shoes.

Anyone with information about the location or disappearance of Young Douglas is urged to contact Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at (213) 996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.